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John Hick : a critical introduction and reflection

"This book presents a critical introduction to John Hick's speculative theology and philosophy. The book begins where Hick began, with the problems of religious language, and ends where Hick is now, exploring the questions of religious plurality. Incorporating early aspects that Hick himself would now wish to qualify, as well as explanations that reflect Hick's present focus, Cheetham offers some speculative reflections of his own on key topics, highlighting Hick's influence on contemporary theology and philosophy of religion. All those studying the work of this great philosopher and theologian will find this new introduction offers an invaluable overview along with fresh critical insight."--Jacket.Read more...

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Abstract:

This is a critical introduction to John Hick's speculative theology and philosophy. The book begins where Hick began, with the problems of religious language, and ends with his contemporary work, exploring the questions of religious plurality.Read more...

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Editorial reviews

Publisher Synopsis

'Cheetham's book deserves to be recognised as an outstanding offering. Essentially, Cheetham provides an overview of Hick's work in terms of his biographical development... With considerable lucidity Cheetham guides us through Hick's arguments and the counter-arguments of his critics. He covers the subjects of epistemology, theodicy and pluralism with clarity... This is a very readable and thought-provoking account of one of the most influential thinkers of our time and deserves text-book status.' Themelios '... the book is an important discussion of a philosopher of religion who has a deservedly worldwide reputation for the way in which he has forced Christianity out of its parochial boundaries. I warmly recommend it to any who have not yet read Hick and to all who have read him but who wish to engage with him more seriously... in addition to providing a good overview of Hick's thought, [Cheetham] fully met my concerns, firstly, by providing a sense of the development in Hick's position over time, [...] and secondly, by bringing his own critique, and those of others, to bear on it so that one gets a sense not only of the potential strengths and weaknesses of Hick's philosophy of religion but also of the response that he evoked in the philosophical and theological world... Throughout, Cheetham's treatment of Hick is both sympathetic and critical.' Journal of Beliefs and Values '... this volume does make an excellent and up-to-date [...] introduction to anyone coming to Hick for the first time... a useful volume to add to any academic library that deals with the philosophy of religion or interfaith studies.' British Association for the Study of Religions Bulletin 'This is a superb introduction aimed mainly at an undergraduate readership needing to acquaint themselves swiftly with this prodigious theologian. Any newcomer though (or one unfamiliar with particular aspects of Hick's wide-ranging thought) would nevertheless value this clearly-written book... this book will make a fine companion to Hick's recent autobiography...' Modern Believing '... sure to be regarded as a landmark study...Cheetham's book is destined to become a standard in outlining the corpus and contribution of John Hick. In short, it is stimulating reading and recommended for interacting with John Hick.' Scottish Journal of Theology '... Cheetham is not content merely to ouline Hick's positions book by book. At each step Cheetham brings forward the different opponents of Hick's thought and provides Hick's own response to those challenges... He has given the book and Hick's writings a couple of second level themes. And in doing so he has provided interesting lenses through which to view the complete opus of Hick's thought.' Journal of the American Academy of Religion 'This book is useful both for exploring Hick's work and the academic context in which it takes place. Indeed, Cheetham shows how Hick's work fits into the wider debate and how the discussion he enters, or begins, take shape... Cheetham covers a great deal in this book and recreates the debates in an interesting and accessible way. Thus, this volume would be of interest to those looking for an introductiory volume to Hick, as well as being useful to those who have a more specific interest in understanding and critiquing Hick... a valuable introduction to the five main areas of debate which he covers.' Religious Studies '... an excellent summary as well as a survey of John Hick's thought...' Sophia ' Cheetham's book offers a helpful introduction to certain important sectors of Hick's thought. One of the book's chief advantages is the way in which it orients the reader to the central strands of Hick's corpus in an organized and concise fashion. Cheetham's moments of critical reflection not only introduce the reader to many of Hick's interlocutors and their various critiques, but characteristically offer important insights and sympathetic constructive proposals of ways in which Hick's thought could be further developed in potentially fruitful ways.' Philosophia ChristiRead more...